The Regiment in Italy

The 11th Battalion, now commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel C. d'A. P. Consett, arrived in Italy on 22nd October, 1943, from North Africa, and joined the 2nd Armoured Brigade on the west coast.

Operations were conducted in rain, snow and mud. After many weeks of patrolling and minor operations, this Battalion helped in the crossing of the Garigliano River at the beginning of January, after which they moved to the east coast and earned high credit for the skill and energy they displayed while holding a wide sector on this front in the Maiella Mountains during the months of March and April, while the advance on Rome was taking shape to the west. The standard this Battalion set in patrolling and sniping had a great effect on enemy morale at this time. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy.

At the end of May, 1944, after eight months of almost continuous service in the line in arduous conditions, the Battalion was withdrawn to Egypt, where it remained until sent to Greece in October.

The 2nd Battalion remained near Tripoli when the 4th Armoured Brigade went to Sicily, but rejoined the Brigade in October, 1943, for its advance up the east coast of Italy. The Battalion's task was protecting the tanks in their movement through the olive groves and other close country. The terrain in the line of advance on the east coast was almost as unsuitable for motor-battalion vehicles as it was for tanks and operations were almost entirely on foot.

The crossing of the Sangro River was the last action in which the 2nd Battalion took part before returning to England in February, 1944, to prepare for the coming invasion of France.

The 1st Battalion had been training in Algeria since the victory in Tunisia in May, 1943, Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Williams having taken over command.

On 27th May, 1944, the Battalion landed at Naples as part of the 1st Armoured Division. After a spell on the east coast the Battalion marched rapidly northwards to join the Eighth Army, which was at that time just north of Perugia.

After six weeks' operations with the 9th Armoured Brigade, orders were received to return to the 1st Armoured Division near Ancona for the coming battle for the Gothic Line.